CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
Contract Management (XCOM 0904)
Summer 2002 Term
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE
Contract Management (XCOM 0904)
Summer 2002 Term
Instructor
:
Charles E. Rumbaugh, J.D.
PO Box 2636
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Phone
:
310.373.1981
Fax
:
310.373.4182
Email
:
ADROffice@
Rumbaugh.net
Course Description
:
In this course students will learn post-award, day-to day management of commercial and government contracts.
They will develop an in-depth understanding of how to manage a contract profitably and on schedule by dealing with specific administrative issues from the contract administrator and program manager’s viewpoint.
Topics will include management systems and subsystems; organization and ethics; property and data rights; subcontracting practices; Total Quality Management (TQM); financial management and funding; contract changes and dispute practices; contract closeout and terminations; international issues; and risk mitigation.
A.
Understanding the critical role that contract (commercial/government) formation has in having a quality contract/subcontract.
B.
Learning significant contract administration/management duties.
C.
Ascertain the importance of acceptance and warranty in fixed price contracting and its impact in having a quality contract/subcontract.
D.
Know the crucial aspects of international contract/subcontract formation/performance.
E.
Given a complex project/program, analyze and select effective techniques to monitor AND control the risk, quality, cost, and schedule performance for major contractors/subcontractors.
F.
Know the importance of “relationship” contracting and having a cost effective claim and contract change control system.
G.
How to apply negotiating tools throughout contract management.
H.
Master the various aspects of successfully closing out a contract.
Commercial Contract:
An introduction
Graw, LeRoy H. (Unpublished) Available by sending an e-mail message to instructor
Various handouts from the instructor.
Students are encouraged to bring to class sessions “difficult” contract/subcontract clauses for class discussion.
Student should have available an “Acquisition” book(s) from previous classes or access to same.
Otherwise, Acquisition Management (ISBN 1-56726-128-0) by R. Marshall Engelbeck (2002) is recommended—publisher is Management Concepts, (703) 790-9595, <www.managementconcepts.com>.
Federal Acquisition Regulations
< http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffar1.htm>
“Library”
–Collection of various articles on topics related to Course Objectives that is maintained by the instructor and available each class for “borrowing”.
Getting to Yes – Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
Fisher, Roger, Ury, William and Patton, Bruce
Houghton Mifflin Company 1991
1.
MidTerm/Final Exam
40%
Class Participation
10%
Class Project/Presentation
50%
100%
Extra credit (up to 5%) can be obtained by attending NCMA workshop(s).
Late submittals will result in a reduced grade.
92-100
A
81-91
B
70-80
C
60-69
D
0-59
F
Letter Grades will be given for final course grade
2.
Students are expected to complete the weekly reading, homework, and/or other assignments BEFORE the beginning of the next class meeting(s).
This is essential because much of the discussion/participation in each class will be based upon the concepts presented in the assignments and as applied in case examples. Also, this is an opportunity for students to bring to class troublesome contract/subcontract clauses for class discussion/advice.
Homework assignments listed on a specific session are noted and are due the following session, e.g. homework listed under Session 1 will be expected to have been completed at the beginning of Session 2.
3. Confidentiality of class discussions (including association of same with particular private/public entities) must be respected by all the students.
4.
Midterm and final examinations cover the material discussed in class meetings, assigned readings, etc.
Examinations may include case analysis and essay questions.
5.
A “library” of readings is available from the instructor for the student to gain additional information and insight on the topic(s) and course objectives.
“Optional” readings are similarly provided and referred to in class lectures.
The purpose of the project is to provide each student with the opportunity to make the required management decisions
for a “selected” step(s) in the contract management process for a major contract/subcontract.
With prior instructor approval students can define projects/contracts that are of interest to them.
This provides the opportunity to apply the general contract management principles covered in the course to a specific contract/subcontract that is relevant to the professional “life” of the student. Specific instructions for the project will be provided in class.
The Project (graded) is due Session 9 with presentations on Session 9.
Session 3 – Contract Performance (Continued) and Financial Management Monitoring
Session 4 – Subcontracting/Socioeconomic Practices/Considerations
Session
5 – Mid Term Exam
Session 6 –International Issues
Session 7 – Other Clauses
Session 8 – Claims/ADR/Contract Closeout
Session 9 – CLASS PROJECT DUE (Presentations)
Session 10 – Final Exam